Doing the Camino de Santiago at different ages
Surely when deciding to do the Camino de Santiago you have asked yourself, is it suitable for all ages? Of course! People of all ages have travelled with us, from children and young people to the most experienced. The Camino de Santiago offers an enriching experience for everyone, as long as you have adequate preparation.
In the year 2023, according to statistics from the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de CompostelaIn terms of pilgrims, people aged between 46 and 65 years accounted for 41% of pilgrims, followed by adults aged between 18 and 45 years who accounted for 39.5%. Finally, those over 65 accounted for 11% and those under 18 accounted for 8% of the total number of pilgrims. As you can see, there are pilgrims of all ages.
The Way of Saint James with the youngest members of the family
Children really enjoy the Camino de Santiago. For them, it can be an exciting adventure, full of new discoveries and learning, like being in a camp. It is important to adapt the route and distances to their level of energy and stamina.
Short stages, playful activities and moments to rest are essential.Imagine the excitement on their faces when they arrive at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after having travelled for miles! Not to mention the look on his parents' faces when they see that their son has been so brave to have travelled so many kilometres and to have made it.
An adventure for young people
Young people will also find the Camino de Santiago as an opportunity to connect with nature, make new friends and reflect on the meaning of travel. It is a wonderful opportunity to socialise and connect with yourself. You will enjoy long walks and conversations with fellow travellers in shared hostels and at stops along the Camino.
Maturity on the Camino de Santiago
For adults and older people, the Camino de Santiago can be a deeply meaningful experience. It is a time to find inner peace, disconnect from the hectic pace of everyday life, reflect on life and meet new people. With the right preparation, older people can enjoy the Camino as much as younger people.
Good preparation
Regardless of age, preparation is key to fully enjoy the Camino de Santiago. This includes a good physical condition, adequate equipment, knowledge of the route and an open attitude towards the experiences that arise along the way. It is recommended to do a previous physical training, walking about 4-5 km per day and doing longer walks from time to time. It is also essential to walk in terrain with ascents and descents, so that it resembles the Galician terrain as much as possible. At Viajeros Canallas we will manage the hostels and the route so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Adaptability of the Path for Different Ages
The stages of the French Way of Saint James and the routes of the Portuguese Way are remarkable for their adaptability, allowing people of all ages to embark on this spiritual and physical journey. From the youngest to the most experienced, both roads offer a variety of routes and levels of difficulty to suit the specific needs of each pilgrim. This flexibility makes the Camino not only accessible but also an inclusive experience, able to adapt to the physical abilities and interests of each person, ensuring that each step along the Camino is as enriching as possible.
Conclusions
The Camino de Santiago is absolutely experiential, it is an experience for all ages, from children to seniors, each pilgrim finds its own meaning and gratification. With proper preparation and the right mindset, the Camino de Santiago becomes a journey that leaves its mark.
